new arch problem

[fishman]

I was making a 2 x 5 arch like the one Brian K. is making. Somewhere during the welding the top rails warped at the center legs resulting in a high spot at the center of a 4' pan or 1/4" of space at the front of the pan. I don't think that a pan gasket can make up that much space. Any ideas? I'm really bummed as I was just about to start putting in the archboard and bricks.:(

[Brian Kloepfer]

weld up a new frame from the out side edge of your arch upward.

[Sugarmaker]

Put some 1/4 inch spacers on both ends or the arch and fill the gap with pan gasket.
Mine was 3/8 low in the center for 10 years before I fixed it. I had some shims at the center keeping the pans level.
Can you un-weld it and bring the center back down?
Unfasten the sides from the frame. Sawsall out a 1/4 inch weld it back together and re attach the sides?
SM

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Using a thicker ceramic blanket would help you make up the difference.

[fishman]

Thanks for the suggestions. I already have the steel riveted on. Couldn't weld the 20 gauge worth a darn, kept burning thru so I changed midstream and riveted it all together. I think I can put in a few pieces of thinner plate on the rail in the larger gaps then use some thicker gasket in those spots. Ready to start insulating and bricking. I'll post some pics when I'm done.